In this episode you will hear some of the sounds of Camp Okihi, as you learn about the newly revived camp in Bakersfield, along the Kern River, offered by White Wolf Wellness Foundation.  Okihi is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Bakersfield. It offers retreats, limited-use camps, Skye on the River music concerts, river-side sunset dining events, sound bath audio wellness sessions, yoga, other activities, and service project opportunities.

You will hear from Stephen Winters on his inspiration from the farm and nature of the Camp. Stephen traveled the United States, studied art in Chicago, and found a calling here in Bakersfield with his wife in restoring this special camp. Those who visit can find a reconnection to nature, wildlife, and inner self-discovery and identity.

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This is the first interview in the Kern Gold series. John and Becky Pulford of Tehachapi grow and sell delicious local farm-fresh apples just 45 minutes from Bakersfield and 2 hours from Los Angeles.

I visited his farm to learn more about John and hear his thoughts on what it takes to grow Golden Delicious apples!

He and his wife Becky are strong community supporters that host home school group tours on the farm. Their family was taught strong Christian moral values and work ethic. John explains how some of the water system in Tehachapi works for local farmers, and he shows me around his balancing basin that holds water for irrigation.

John gives his thoughts on why his Golden Delicious apples are so tasty, how the farm now defines this small family-friendly mountain town, what his favorite apple is, and which varieties he recommends.

Contact Pulford Appletree Orchard for more information on how to purchase some of their delicious apples.    Pulford Appletree Orchard

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I spoke with David who is a specialist working on the Isabella Dam Modification which cost over $335M from 2018 to 2023, and has protected Bakersfield from Kern River flooding. 
With the modification, the dam can now hold back enough Kern River water that, for comparison, could cover Bakersfield in almost 6 feet of water! 
David used to live in Bakersfield and tells us a little about some of the work he has done on the Dam, he talks about some of the recreation he’s found in the Kern River Valley, and he talks about some Kern River safety experiences he’s learned from his housemate who is a river rafting guide in Kernville. He recommends any visitors to the river to get in with a guide.

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Mark Mulkay is the recently retired Kern River Watermaster. He did an amazing job this year along with his colleagues in the city in protecting Bakersfield from flooding. 
During this interview he talks briefly about river recreation and safety. We discuss other topics as well including his experience packing and fishing on the Kern River near the headwaters high in the Sierra Nevada. I ask him about Mill Creek Park and if it can be improved to enhance the urban corridor of Bakersfield.  Mark gives his opinion on current management of the river through town, and the Law of the River is briefly mentioned which is the framework for how river water is currently managed in town.

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Listen in as two generations of Holtermanns discuss their farming operation in Wasco. Their family has been farming in Kern County for over a century.

We discuss water supplies available to them and their neighbors, and they discuss where they like to visit in Kern County, why they stayed in the family business of farming,  how they are navigating changes in technology to run a more efficient farm, and how they stay up to date with new regulations.

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The Water Summit of Kern County is the premier water event every year, and thanks to Beth Pandol and associates at the Water Association, it was organized to engage and educate the local community, and to bring in outside experts to share their expertise and opinions. Learn how Beth organized the Summits and relied on a team to successfully run the event. Also hear how she addressed opposing viewpoints even when local team members pushed back on the idea.

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Introduction to Faces of Kern. How does it feel when someone passes judgement on your town when they've never lived there? They might as well be judging you. Bakersfield may have a lot of challenges, but so does every town in America. Please join me this season to learn more about the Faces of Kern.

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Trailer. Faces of Kern is a series of interviews in Bakersfield and Kern County in search of hidden treasures.

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